Notes of the Sovereign Harbour Residents Association Open Meeting

Held on 15 th September 2004

The Chairman welcomed Keith Morrison Assistant Director – Economy, Tourism & Planning who talked about the restructuring within the Council following the retirement of the Director of Tourism. Keith talked about the Borough Plan and the 5 remaining sites on the Harbour that do not have planning permission at the moment. They are:

•  The hotel site (south side of the outer harbour)
 

•  Car park at the end of Atlantic Drive
 

•  Area behind the Harvester.
 

•  Waterfront 2 (the boat storage area near Waterfront 1)
 

•  The lock gates.

He said that as far as the Council was concerned it was important that these sites achieved a number of objectives namely: meeting the needs of Carillion; meeting the needs of residents; ensuring a quality of life; economic development. He stated that the Council could not make any promises as Carillion were very commercially aggressive. The Council have commissioned a piece of work by external consultants about the remaining development of the harbour, this report will take into consideration the expectations of Carillion as well as the wants of the Council and local residents. The Council will be looking at some of the land being used for affordable housing and that being mixed with other types of housing, Carillion however would like to see affordable housing confined to 1 area only.

With regard to the lock gates there is a need to ensure that public access across the gates is secured. The hotel site may include some housing but it will remain primarily as a leisure site. The car park is likely to be housing and is one of the Councils preferred site for affordable housing as is the area behind the Harvester which will mean the Fishermen will be moved to the outer harbour. The issues over the dredging of the outer harbour were raised. Waterfront 2 is likely to be a continuation of the services and facilities in Waterfront 1 and may include a store.

The site office is earmarked as a site for the new health centre and this is being progressed by the Eastbourne Downs Primary Care Trust.

The Commercial areas (parallel to Pevensey Bay Road) are designated B! light industrial in the Borough Plan. Carillion would like to see housing but the Borough Plan would not allow it. There is interest from a private company which will bring forward the development of this site.

There was some discussion about the land at the far end of the North Harbour. Keith thought it had outline planning permission for housing though this was disputed. He agreed to check and let the SHRA know. There are no plans to have any open spaces.

Fire Services

There was some discussion about the fact that the first response Fire Station was Eastbourne rather than Pevensey which is closer. There was a query as to whether the response time was within the target 13 minutes. Concerns were raised that this area h=is a high risk fire area with all the boats and fuel and residents were not confident that the best possible fire service was being provided. Councillor Patrick Warner agreed to contact the head of the fire service to seek clarification.

Treasurers Report

The balance in the SRHA account is currently £1448.09. Membership will be due for renewal in May 2005.

SHRA Web Site

Residents were reminded that useful SHRA information is available on the web site http://www.shra.info/

Redrow

The Redrow development has started and because of health and safety considerations access will be difficult at times in that area although Redrow have agreed to minimise problems as much as possible but during working hours access will inevitably be restricted.

Dog Bins

5 dog bins have now been erected along Pacific Drive by Carillion. They will be responsible for their maintenance and emptying until such time that the road is adopted then responsibility will be transferred to Eastbourne Borough Council.

Sea Defences

Work will begin w/c September 27 th and will involve the shifting of shingle between 7.30am and 5pm. Bulldozers will be pushing shingle at low tide between 5am and 10pm.

Bus services

Councillor Warner reported that the north and south harbours now have an hourly service. The service relies on a grant as it is not financially viable. It will remain hourly until the bus gate is in place.

Next Meeting will be held on 26 th January at 7.30pm at the Haven School